𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝟏: 𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐚𝐫 ✔

CHAPTER 37

"I know," he said with a smirk, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"It's my child. So forget about that contract," he added firmly.

"Let's get married."

Evangeline was surprised at his words but she kept a calm demeanor. Although for her it felt like her heart was about to burst at any moment, but the voice inside her head was louder.

All men are the same.

Over and over again, that voice echoed in her mind.

Taking a breath, she composed herself before responding.

"You've said you don't believe in love or marriage. Why propose now?" she asked, forcing a smile despite that pang of pain in her chest.

"Do you love me?" she added while her voice sounded uncertain.

Klein's response caught her off guard.

"Is love necessary for marriage?" he retorted with bitterness evident in his tone.

Forced to confront her own feelings, Evangeline replied with a forced smile. "Yes," she said simply, though her heart felt heavy.

"Then I love you," Klein confessed suddenly, surprising Evangeline.

But his words rang hollow, leaving her feeling empty. She knew his confession was merely a formality, not genuine emotion.

Evangeline let out an exhausted sigh as she approached Klein, standing face to face with him. She could feel his breath on her head.

Without a word, she looked up into his eyes, searching for any sign of emotion. But Klein remained stoic, his gaze unwavering.

"No, Mr. Klein. You don't love me. You... only pity me," Evangeline chuckled bitterly, tapping his shoulder.

"You don't need to worry. There's no need to feel obligated to marry me just because you found out I'm carrying your child. You tore up the marriage contract, didn't you? It's for the best. Thank you for your help, Mr. Klein," she said, smiling faintly as she handed him a piece of paper from her desk.

Klein's eyes narrowed as he read the paper. "What is this?" he asked incredulously.

"A surrogacy contract," Evangeline replied calmly.

The letter stated:

As per our discussions and mutual understanding, I hereby affirm the following key conditions of the agreement:

1. Party B (hereinafter referred to as "Maximilian Klein") shall, until the gender of the child is known, act as a husband to Party A (hereinafter referred to as "Evangeline Sinclair"), and shall comply with all demands issued by Evangeline, without exception.

2. In the event that the child is confirmed to be male, Klein shall assume full responsibility for the child, as stipulated in the agreement.

3. Upon the completion of the 47-day period and in accordance with Condition 2, if the child is confirmed to be female, this contract shall be deemed null and void. At such time, both Parties will relinquish any claims, obligations, or hold towards each other, and this agreement will be considered legally terminated.

"If these are your conditions, then I agree," Klein immediately responded, retrieving a pen from his suit pocket to sign the contract.

He had never envisioned himself resorting to such drastic measures as marrying a divorcée solely for the sake of having a child. However, the need for an heir outweighed his reservations. His impulsive proposal to her earlier stemmed from a moment of desperation. Or so Klein believed.

As he affixed his signature to the paper, little did he know that it marked the beginning of a journey far beyond his expectations.

As Klein finished signing the paper, Evangeline couldn't contain her joy. A bright smile spread across her face, illuminating the room with its warmth.

Klein couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction deep within him. Despite his initial reluctance, he found himself oddly reassured by Evangeline's radiant smile.

Evangeline's heart swelled with different emotions as she watched Klein finally sign the contract. It was a moment she hadn't dared to hope for, yet here they were, bound by the terms they had agreed upon.

She couldn't help but marvel at the turn of events. After all, the last contract they had attempted had ended in shambles, torn apart by their mutual stubbornness. But now, as she looked at Klein's signature on the paper, she felt a sense of gratitude wash over her.

Why had she agreed to these conditions? It was a question she had asked herself many times. But deep down, she knew the answer. She wanted to feel loved, if only for a fleeting moment. To experience the warmth of a husband's embrace, even if it was just for a few days.

The baby growing inside her was a miracle she had never thought possible. After three years of believing she could never conceive, the reality of her pregnancy still felt surreal. She refused to let this precious time slip away without savoring every moment of it.

As she held Klein's hand and thanked him, she saw the flicker of something in his eyes. Was it disgust? Or perhaps disbelief? It didn't matter. What mattered was that he had agreed to this arrangement, however begrudgingly.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

But as she released his hand, Klein surprised her by pulling her close, his smirk sending a shiver down her spine. Despite the contract, his touch still ignited a spark within her, reminding her of the undeniable attraction that lingered between them.

"Then I should give my 'wife' a kiss, right?" he teased, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers.

Evangeline couldn't help but smile, playing along with the charade they had created. Yes, she was crazy for agreeing to this arrangement. Crazy for falling for a man who seemed incapable of love or commitment.

But as Klein's lips met hers in a fleeting kiss, she couldn't deny the rush of warmth that flooded her senses. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to this cold-hearted man than met the eye. And perhaps, in the midst of their unconventional arrangement, there was room for love to blossom after all.

Klein pulled away from the kiss as his gaze lingered on Evangeline's lips for a moment before he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. It was a gesture so unexpected, so achingly gentle, that Evangeline couldn't help but feel her heart flutter in response.

"Take care, Evangeline," he murmured softly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth that she had never heard before. Then, with one last lingering glance, he turned and walked away, leaving Evangeline standing there while her heart pounded in her chest.

As she watched him go, a rush of conflicting emotions washed over her. Part of her longed to call him back, to beg him to stay just a little longer but she'd rather be alone for today.